so 



THE COLLECTION OF OSTEOLOGICAL MATEWAL FROM MACHU PICCHU. 



it is difficult to understand how these animals could have been prevented from molesting 

 liiiiiian remains newly placed in open caves. I think the explanation lies in the probability 

 that at first the bodies were not thus exposed. If originally placed in caves, they may have 

 been protected from marauding creatures by barricading or stoning up the entrances, in 

 the manner observed in several of the Machu Picchu graves, until the natural process of 

 desiccation or mummifying was completed. Or the bodies in suitable mummy-sacks may 

 have been kept for a time in certain buildings, many of the niches or false windows of the 

 walls being of ample size for this purpose. 





Figure 47. — View of Cave 51 with Richarte and his dog. Photograph by the author. 



In the vicinity of Machu Picchu, it would not seem necessary to make use of any embalm- 

 ing substance in order to render the near presence of the dead bodies endurable, especially 

 if the viscera were removed, for the rapid desiccation of the tissues would prevent any 

 overpowering odor. In support of this view I would refer to the custom in this part of 

 the mountains, of preparing clwrqui or cured meat by merely exposing flesh to the air, on 

 pergola-like structures raised abo\'e the height to which a dog can leap. The process of 

 curing is so little mephitic that on a cool night the belated traveller can sleep beneatli the 

 partial shelter of one of these- structures, unhaunted by visions of 



"un horrible melange 

 D'os et de chairs meutris, et traines dans la fange, 

 Des lambeaux pleins de sang, et des membres afifreux 

 Que des chiens devorants se disputoient entre eu.x." 



And if on the morrow, he breaks his fast upon broth made from pieces of the strong- 

 flavored leathery product, generously seasoned with native herbs, lie will experience no 

 unpleasant a f tcr-effects. 



